2000 SCMR 770

IN RE: SUO MOTU CASE NO. 1 OF 2000

V/S

—

Per Irshad Hasah Khan, C.J.

(a) Constitution of Pakistan (1973), Articles 15, 16, 17, 19 & 184(3)

News item appearing in the national press, about Government imposing country-wide ban on all political meetings at public place, strikes and processions—Supreme Court, in exercise of suo motu power, issued notice to the Attorney-General for Pakistan to appear before Supreme Court to show cause as to the validity of banning political activities throughout Pakistan —Position of the Federal Government, Provincial Governments and other State functionaries on the issue of ban on political activities i.e. rallies, strikes etc., having been found to be divergent, the matter was admitted to a regular hearing by the Supreme Court to consider the questions as to whether ban on political activities had been validly imposed and if so, under what provision of law and whether the restrictions, so imposed, were ultra vires of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Arts. 15, 16, 17 & 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan (1973). [p. 773] A